ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, today announced the appointment of Brian J. Rooney as its Director of Communications and Development. Rooney received his commission from the Marine Corps in 1998 and his law degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1999. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2001. He is an Iraq War veteran having served seven months in Iraq. Captain Rooney resigned his commission from the Marine Corps in October 2006 receiving an honorable discharge.
Rooney reports directly to the President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, Richard Thompson, and will play a leading role in guiding the future of the Law Center. He will be responsible for the Law Center’s media relations, communications strategy, website content and development programs.
Brian Rooney moved his family from San Diego, CA to Ann Arbor, MI to work at the Thomas More Law Center’s National Headquarters. Said Rooney, “I served my country in the Marine Corps overseas to protect our values and flag. I did not serve so that those values and our flag could be wiped away by the courts. The Thomas More Law Center has a Christian purpose in fighting the Culture War. This is a mission that I believe in, and a mission that is just as important as the one I had in the Marine Corps.”
Commented Thompson, “This is the proverbial match made in Heaven. Brian’s leadership skills, energy, and organizational and legal abilities honed by the Marines, combined with his personal commitment to our Christian values and mission, compliments the aggressiveness of our trial lawyers and our mission. Brian will take us to the next level in the Culture War.”
Brian Rooney was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into the noted and esteemed “Rooney Family” out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Art Rooney, founded the Pittsburgh Steelers. His family still owns the Steelers, as well as, a horse track in Yonkers, New York and a dog track in West Palm Beach, Florida.
He received a B.A. in History from Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts in June of 1995. While at Williams College, Brian participated as a four-year student-athlete on the Williams NCAA Division III football team, which went undefeated his senior year.
As a Marine, Rooney had several responsibilities, both in Iraq and stateside. He served as a prosecutor and defense counsel for Marines and Sailors in all types of criminal matters, advised commanders and troops in the field on the Rules of Engagement and Targeting.
Rooney served as the Senior Defense Counsel for the majority of his initial tour at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ. Captain Rooney defended Marines and Sailors in a variety of criminal cases. Captain Rooney received a prestigious medal from the Secretary of the Navy for his work in Yuma.
Captain Rooney transferred to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California in August of 2003 and was assigned as the Senior Prosecutor for a year, prosecuting Marines and Sailors in all types of criminal cases.
Captain Rooney deployed with the Third Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) as the Deputy In-House Counsel in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.2. While in Iraq, Captain Rooney assisted the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Najaf. After the battle for Najaf, he helped rebuild the city and win support from its inhabitants. He was also sent to Regimental Combat Team-1 (1st Marine Regiment) as the Deputy In-House Counsel to help in repopulating, rebuilding, and winning over the populace in Fallujah, during and after the second battle of Fallujah. The Secretary of the Navy awarded Rooney a prestigious medal for his work in Iraq. Upon Captain Rooney’s return to the USA, he was maintained as the Deputy In-House Counsel for the Third MAW for six additional months. Captain Rooney also served as the Chief Prosecutor for MCAS Miramar during this same period. Upon completion of this final tour, Captain Rooney was awarded a third prestigious medal from the Secretary of the Navy.
Rooney is admitted to the Bar of the State of Florida, the Michigan Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.